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-- Which tables to buy?? MK2, MK3, MK5

Which tables to buy?? MK2, MK3, MK5

I'm planning on getting some new tables soon. I'm pretty much set on Technics. I had an opportunity to use a pair of the Numark TT X-1s and I was not at all impressed after reading several articles saying they were the 'new' Techs and that they were even better than the Techs in stability and beat matching.

My biggest thing is getting tables that have a continuous pitch change. For example, if the pitch is set at +6.555, I want the table to be able to move up to +6.556, instead of going from +6.5 to +6.6. Obviously you can't tell exactly where the pitch fader is located and even on the Numarks it only tells you to a 10th of a percent. If I move the pitch fader a hair up, I want the pitch to move a hair up.

The biggest problem I've had with the tables I've used is that usually I can't keep the beats matched for very long without having to adjust the pitch on one or the other, or touching the record or platter. It's not that I don't know how to beat match. I've been spinning records for years and made many quality mix cds. I know how it works. But I have stood there and took two records and played them over and over, giving the pitch faders minor adjustments and have never been able to match the records, without having to do some adjusting, for the length of time it would take to mix them. The pitch of one or the other record is either too low or too high. There is no in-between.

Now, before we get all caught up in some pointless argument about what's what, I know that you almost always have to make adjustments no matter how good you are. It's part of Djing. Being able to make those fine adjustments to keep the beats matched and music going without a hitch. Every Dj does it, whether they're some kid spinning at their friends party or a world class Dj spinning at a dance event. You very rarely get two records that stay matched for an entire transition without some kind of help from the Dj. I also know that you have to find the table that works best for you. Just because one guy mixes perfectly on Numarks doesn't mean I'll be able to. But I'm pretty sure that with Technics I'll be getting about the best I can get for my style and needs. Besides, the biggest Djs in the world recommend and use them, and they're almost always on the top of everyone's list for what tables to use.

Now, with that said, is there any difference between the MK2, MK3 and MK5 as far as stability in beat matching is concerned??? I've read different things and heard different things. I've heard the MK2s have a problem around 0 on the pitch and that the MK5s are the best ones. I've also heard people say that the MK2s are the best ones.

I don't know what to believe, so I figured I would ask here and hopefully some of you that actually own and use 1200's, whether they're 2s, 3s or 5s, would vote on the better table.

I just want some tables that will give me time to play with the mixer during the mix. So far I haven't found a table that I don't have to constantly, and I mean constantly, monitor during a transition, but I've only experienced 3 different kinds of tables. I've used Tech MK2s 3 times at parties and I had a hell of time with them, but that was because I haven't had enough time on Techs to learn them and adjust to spinning on them. The other 3, that I have had tons of time on, are Stanton, Gemini and Numark. All direct drive. All gave me the same issues. Some were easier to control as far as keeping the beats together, but all were pretty much the same as far as me having to go back and forth from the table to the mixer.

I know that's alot of BS just for a poll question, but I wanted everyone to see things from my point of view so you could understand what I mean. Hopefully I can finally get the answer I need and get some new tables.

Get the MkII's. The M3's and the M5's "upgrades" are a total waste of money, and add no extra ability to the turntable.

not true. the mk3 (aka M3D) has a pitch reset button instead of the click at the '0' point on the pitch slider so the slider is smooth up and down. and the mk5g have a +/- 16 pitch control

it doesn't really matter which one you get. i have the mk2s and i won't be upgrading until they break, which should be in a bout 20 years. i would get the best deal, but if you can get an mk5 for pretty close to the same cost as an mk2 then i would get that. simply because they have the led stylus light and a clickless pitch fader. that would be worth an extra $20 or so each for me. replacing a burnt out stylus light is a bitch. you'll be happy with any of them though. cheers.

I just ordered a pair of M3D's. They have the pitch reset button, and they cost the same as mk2's, at least in my case. MK5's would have been a big jump in price, and it's not worth it. IMHO any one of the "versions" of techs are fine, I'd just go based on the best deal you can get.

MK5's are so cool to play though, they are very sensitive which I love. PLus they have cool lights and the aforementioned +/-16 pitch.


but if you equate price into it, mk3's. wait...didn't they discontinue them, so there won't be any replacement parts. Some online stores were out of stock permanently with mk3 stuff.


with that in mind, and money in mind, mk2's.

quote:

Originally posted by Boomer187 aforementioned +/-16 pitch.

What would you honestly need +/- 16 pitch for??
You should've have to have more than 10, but even the 8% on the mk2's is all you really need...


EDIT: Not to mention that with 8% is is alot easier to be MORE precise with setting the pitch.. the higher the pitch range the harder to get it spot on...

Like the Numarks, How are you suppose to get super precise using +/-50?? DAMN..

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Lazy What would you honestly need +/- 16 pitch for?? You should've have to have more than 10, but even the 8% on the mk2's is all you really need...

Slowing down hard trance songs inot chill songs...?

When you play a variety o music sometimes 8 isn't enough. but then again that is all in your playin style, most won't need it.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Lazy What would you honestly need +/- 16 pitch for?? You should've have to have more than 10, but even the 8% on the mk2's is all you really need...

I agree on that point. But I have had a few situations on my tables where I could have used the extra pitch range on the fly. My tables do have a kind of ultra pitch adjustment, but you have to use a very small screwdriver to adjust it. There's a little tiny hole right at the top of the pitch adjustment that you can change where the pitch range starts and stops.

If the MK5s are the best on stability then I'll spend the money on them. I plan on having them for many years so price is not that big of a deal to me. It will just take me longer to get more expensive tables.

I just know that after everything I've heard since I started spinning over 4 years ago, the Techs are always the best. They're always on the top of the list and the tables that every Dj wants and uses. So, I'm getting Techs, I just don't know which Techs.

Thanks for all the opinions and tips people.

Why do techs have more accurate pitch?

because for the same length of pitch slider, they only go 8% either way, 2% less than all other turntables (that I know off anyhoo)

This means that the changes are more gradual, just imagine how accurate you could be if the pitch sliders went up the length of the turntable!!!

And I dont think you can often get 2 records to be 100% beatmatched, but who cares, know you slipping time, and in wich direction (this is why I general ensure that the track I am bringing in is slightly faster than the other, so i know that I need only touch to slow from time to time, mebbe once every 64-128 beats

I think MK5's would be good for HArd trance with no vocals or really just music with not alot of vocals, but for music with vocals, I choose M3d's.

+12 pitch on a vocal track may sound chip-munky...

I gots M3d's and dere da bomb.


Someone mention'd that technics may not manufacture any replacement parts for M3d's anymore...

Does anyone know for sure about that?

quote:

Originally posted by SUNWmsf I think MK5's would be good for HArd trance with no vocals or really just music with not alot of vocals, but for music with vocals, I choose M3d's. +12 pitch on a vocal track may sound chip-munky...

the mk5s only have a +-8% pitch just like the mk2s and the m3ds. only the mk5g has the ability to do +-16% not 12% and it's user selectable between +-8% and +-16%.

My used M3D stopped faster than my NEW M3D. I just cracked it open from the top and calibrated it till it stopped at the speed that I wanted it to. I wanted to get that sound when the record brakes...

It took some time, as I am a perfectionist... but nonetheless, the brake can be calibrated.

OH yeah... i forgot that they were M5G's...

I knew the pitch goes to +-16, i meant that when playing a vocal track at the +12 it would sound chip-munky...

+16 would definitely sound chip-munky too...

quote:

Originally posted by kr00t0n Why do techs have more accurate pitch? because for the same length of pitch slider, they only go 8% either way, 2% less than all other turntables (that I know off anyhoo) This means that the changes are more gradual, just imagine how accurate you could be if the pitch sliders went up the length of the turntable!!! And I dont think you can often get 2 records to be 100% beatmatched, but who cares, know you slipping time, and in wich direction (this is why I general ensure that the track I am bringing in is slightly faster than the other, so i know that I need only touch to slow from time to time, mebbe once every 64-128 beats

Please keep in mind that I'm not some sort of electronics guru, but I believe the answer to your question is that the Technics use analogue pitch adjustment as opposed to the digital pitch adjustment one would find in other brand names of turntables (note that I'm not saying all other turntables use digital, because I couldn't go through the list and tell you which do and which don't).

I was just talking with a local guy on Sunday at a pretty chilled night they have going (mostly a bunch of local DJs all of all skill levels show up and spin a bit, hang out for beers, etc.). His experience with the Numark TTX-1s was that the the digital pitch adjustment on the Numarks made it at least slightly more difficult to reliably beatmatch (and maintain sync) two tracks. For example, if you nudge the Numark pitch slider a hair, it may not actually be enough to bump it to the next fraction of a percentage pitch step, whereas nudging the pitch slider on a Technics table does actually nudge your pitch speed a hair.

The theory overall is that the Techs allow for somewhat more fine-tuned control over platter speed. He also apparently noticed a similar effect when he bought a pair of Numark Axis CDJs.

I think you would be happy with any of those three Tech tables, as the differences between them are relatively minor. I would probably just look at price and availability, as you may be able to find MK2s at the lowest price of the three. For example, I'm not sure I would spend $100-$150 more per table to get MK5s over MK2s, particularly since all of the clubs will tend to have battered old MK2s.

I'm somewhat biased though, as I have year-old black MK2s and love them.

quote:

Originally posted by DJ Kibon Please keep in mind that I'm not some sort of electronics guru, but I believe the answer to your question is that the Technics use analogue pitch adjustment as opposed to the digital pitch adjustment one would find in other brand names of turntables (note that I'm not saying all other turntables use digital, because I couldn't go through the list and tell you which do and which don't). I was just talking with a local guy on Sunday at a pretty chilled night they have going (mostly a bunch of local DJs all of all skill levels show up and spin a bit, hang out for beers, etc.). His experience with the Numark TTX-1s was that the the digital pitch adjustment on the Numarks made it at least slightly more difficult to reliably beatmatch (and maintain sync) two tracks. For example, if you nudge the Numark pitch slider a hair, it may not actually be enough to bump it to the next fraction of a percentage pitch step, whereas nudging the pitch slider on a Technics table does actually nudge your pitch speed a hair. The theory overall is that the Techs allow for somewhat more fine-tuned control over platter speed. He also apparently noticed a similar effect when he bought a pair of Numark Axis CDJs. I think you would be happy with any of those three Tech tables, as the differences between them are relatively minor. I would probably just look at price and availability, as you may be able to find MK2s at the lowest price of the three. For example, I'm not sure I would spend $100-$150 more per table to get MK5s over MK2s, particularly since all of the clubs will tend to have battered old MK2s. I'm somewhat biased though, as I have year-old black MK2s and love them.

You hit the nail on the head my friend. Exactly what I've experienced with tables. I want that continuous, more exact pitch change to give more time for effects and just having fun with the mix, instead of wasting it on keep the beats together. A little nudge or brush every 90 or 100 beats I can deal with.

That's my only issue with the TTX1s...the damn .1 incraments in the pitch adjust. It's really annoying when you know the record would be right on at .15. If only they'd change I'd like everything about it more than the techs...

I'd say go with the M3Ds/MK3s unless you think the +/-16 would be useful to you.

I would get the Mk II if I were you. Not because the others are bad decks but because they offer you very little in terms of the extra cash they are asking.
Let's face it, most of us don't need a +16 pitch anyways. And chances are that if you play a song that fast it's going to sound ridiculous anyways (There are exceptions though but usually in other genres).
If you really need a plus or a minus 16 (Not both at same time) then it can be done with a Mk II. You can actually adjust the speed of the motor by removing the deck plate and adjusting a screw (only do this if you really know what you are doing). Just like Yoji Biomehanika.

I never really have any problems with the 0 point either, it just calls for some stealth adjustments to pitch and no problems.
I rarely ever play anthing that's below 0 anyways. I find that you can get away with a song being a little faster than people are used to but not slower, tends to have a negative effect on the dancefloor.

A lot of other TT manufacturers have cramed as much as they can into their decks but to be honest, if you are playing dance music you don't need anything really other 45 to 33 and pitch not to mention solid build. The rest is all about you and what you are able to do with it.

M3Ds have been discontinued, through lack of demand I am told.

Cheers
Nem

i have the m3ds, i like them better than the mk2s, simply becuase they dont have the 0 notch in the pitch. if you can afford the mk5 or m5g definitly get those, otherwise get the m3d its worth the extra $50 you might spend to get those instead of the mk2s. but no matter what, if it says sl-1200 you have really sweet tables.

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